Broncos cut Isaiah McKenzie, promote River Cracraft to 53-man roster

The Broncos cut wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie and promoted fellow receiver River Cracraft from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Friday, according to The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala.

Denver needed more depth at receiver after trading Demaryius Thomas to the Texans and ruling out DaeSean Hamilton for Sunday’s game with a knee injury. McKenzie is technically a receiver but the Broncos use him primarily as a return specialist (he had no receptions in his lone appearance this year).

Cracraft spent part of last season on Denver’s practice squad but he’s considered a first-year player because he never appeared on a game day roster as a rookie. The 6-0, 198-pound Washington State product will make his NFL debut against Houston this weekend.

Besides Cracraft, the Broncos’ only other healthy receivers this week are Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick. Thomas, who was traded to the Texans earlier this week, is expected to make his debut with his new team against his former team.